AFRICA TOURS AND SAFARIS WITH ABACUS AFRICAN VACATIONS

Game Parks/ Places to see in Africa

1. Abu Simbel, Egypt
The two temples at Abu Simbel Egypt are best known for two reasons: their dazzling magnificence, and their historic relocation from their original cliff. The temples are surrounded by an artificial mountain. Read More

2. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
This is a tropical paradise consisting of five islands, each providing spectacular views with great sandy beaches; clear, blue waters; an indulgence of colorful birds; and enjoyable diving and snorkeling.

3.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Read More

4. City of Bandiagara (Land of Dogons)
The Bandiagara site is an outstanding landscape of cliffs and sandy plateau with some beautiful architecture (houses, granaries, altars, sanctuaries and Togu Na, or communal meeting-places). Several age-old social traditions live on in the region (masks, feasts, rituals, and ceremonies involving ancestor worship). The geological, archaeological and ethnological interest, together with the landscape, make the Bandiagara plateau one of West Africa's most impressive sites.

5. Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon
This is one of the largest and best-protected rainforests in Africa, with 90% of its area left undisturbed. Almost completely surrounded by the Dja River, which forms a natural boundary, the reserve is especially noted for its biodiversity and a wide variety of primates. It contains 107 mammal species, five of which are threatened.

6.Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Senegal
Situated in the Senegal River delta, the Djoudj Sanctuary is a wetland of 16,000 ha, comprising a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds and backwaters. It forms a living but fragile sanctuary for some 1.5 million birds, such as the white pelican, the purple heron, the African spoonbill, the great egret and the cormorant.

7. Etosha National Park, Namibia
20% of the world’s cheetahs reside in Namibia, and this one of the great places to spot them in the wild. There is also a plethora of mammals and birds here as most of Africa’s game can be found in this park.

8. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Regarded as the second most spectacular canyons in the world (after the Grand Canyon of America), the Fish River Canyon is indeed a sight of astonishing grandeur. The spectacular canyon features a 160km ravine which is up to 27km wide and 550 meters in some places. In the belly of the ravine flows the Fish River. Several animal species are also present in the canyon, including wild horses, mountain zebra and Kudu. The canyon has a prolific birdlife with over 60 bird species found there. Read More

9. Island of Mozambique
The fortified city of Mozambique is located on this island, a former Portuguese trading-post on the route to India. Its remarkable architectural unity is due to the consistent use, since the 16th century, of the same building techniques, building materials (stone or macuti) and decorative principles

10. Johannesburg, South Africa
It is the largest city in South Africa. Just as New York is the first port of call for anyone wanting to get a feel of America, so is Jo'burg for South Africa. And like New York, you get the experience the two extremes of the social strata – opulence with the majestic mansions behind huge security gates and extreme poverty, most especially demonstrated by the nearby Soweto. Guided tours around the city are recommended and can be very educational, some would include the Soweto houses in which Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived in.

11. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
This park is formed of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, and is the first of is kind in Africa. This huge beautiful park is filled with large populations of birds, reptiles, rodents, small mammals and antelopes. The park is ideal for predator watching and for the seasonal movement of large herbivores such as blue wildebeest, springbok, eland and red hartebeest.

12. Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Surrounded by mountains and studded with islands, along with its trees with bordering the shores, the lake provides a unique wilderness environment. It is also home to a number of animals and fishes, most especially the tigerfish which is draw for keen fishing enthusiasts. The nearby town, also bearing the same name, Kariba, is set with classy hotels, casinos and restaurants.

13: Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi
Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world. Main attraction to this park is the Livingstonia Mission which was built in memory of Dr Livingstone. Nkhata Bay, Chintheche, Nkhotakota and Bay of Kotor are some of the nicest places to spend the night with great scenic views.

14: Livingstonia, Malawi
This little paradise is set on the edge of Lake Malawi and is an idea place for a honeymoon. Eating some of the excellent cuisine on offer by the azure waters or rest and relax around the beautiful pool overlooking the golden sandy beach, Livingstonia provides a great memory for a any holiday maker.

15: Liwonde National Park, Malawi
This is the closest that Malawi has to a game reserve but a visit is still worth it. The River Shire, it cross the park in the west is the place to spot the elephants, hippos and crocodiles, while the east of the park would reveal sable and roan antelopes, zebras and elands. This is also a good place for bird watching as it has a wide variety.

16. Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana
Just 9 miles from the state capital, Gaborone, the reserve has plenty of the local flora as well as a remarkable group of indigenous animals such as the white rhino, mountain reedbuck, various antelope, zebra, giraffe, hyena and warthog.

17. Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya
At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. The evolution and ecology of its afro-alpine flora also provide an outstanding example of ecological processes.

18. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
At 19340 ft, Mt. Kilimanjaro is popularly known - is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro is also the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Fortunately, its highest point, Uhuru peak, is easily accessible to anyone of moderate fitness level. The experience of being on top of Africa is, to say the least, exhilarating. The scenery at the peak is breathtaking, with the huge glaciers forming a white heaven.

19. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera, measuring about 19km across, 600 meters deep from the rim of the crater to its floor, and with a total floor area of 260km². The crater was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself approximately three million years ago. Ngorongoro crater is considered a “natural enclosure” for wildlife, with many animal species found on the crater floor.

20. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Okavango delta (often wrongly called the Okavango Swamp) is the world's largest inland delta, covering an area of over 17000 square kilometers. This unique water feature was formed after the drying up of Lake Makgadikgadi thousands of years ago. The Okavango River drains its water onto the plains of Kalahari Desert in Botswana, forming a magnificent labyrinth of inland lagoons, islands, and lakes - the Okavango delta. The water at the delta is very pure due to little agricultural and industrial activities along Okavango River.

21. Pemba Island, Mozambique
Here you would find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, coral reefs, plenty of water sports and some really interesting buildings. If you are looking for that Caribbean experience in Africa, Pemba Island is one of the places that can provide that, and some say even better.

22. Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean between Cape Town and Durban, this beautiful city is sited on the shores of Algoa Bay. With plenty of sunshine, moderate year round temperatures, clean sandy beaches and a warm Indian Ocean, it is no wonder, water sports are amongst the biggest attractions for this city. Also enjoy scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences in and around the city.

23. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda
It covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

24. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
It is located in the Northern part of Kenya, this park also has all the big cats, as well as the dry country animals - oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and the rare Grevy's zebra. Sightings of elephants, buffalos and hippos are also possible.

25. Sossusvlei in Namib Desert, Namibia
It is positioned in the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei is a huge clay pan enclosed by giant sand dunes, some of which go to heights of over 300 meters. These dunes are often referred to as the highest in the world. On the rare occasions when it rains, the Sossusvlei fills with water. Since the clay layers only allow very slow infiltration, the resultant turquoise lake remains for some time in the vlei.

26. Sun City, South Africa
One of South Africa’s top holiday resorts, Sun City has enough of everything for almost everyone. From golfing, game watching, gambling and a wide variety of sports it is hard to find something not to do in Sun City. The city is also famous of the Palace of the Lost City, which is a “rebuilt” palace based on a legend it was the royal residence of an ancient civilisation of South Africa, but was destroyed by an earthquake.

27. The Great Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
The Egyptian pyramids perhaps need no introduction, being the icons most associated with Egypt. Most of the pyramids (there are over 100 pyramids in Egypt) were built as tombs to preserve the mummified bodies of the dead pharaohs. In these massive tombs, the pharaohs' bodies would continue receiving food offerings long after their death. The greatest of these pyramids is the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Pharaoh Cheops), found at Giza, a few kilometers south of Cairo. Also found at Giza is the great Sphinx, a half-human half-lion statue considered one of the world's largest and oldest status

28. Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, South Africa
The Nature Reserve comprises of karstic landscapes and limestone uplands cut into impressive 'tsingy' peaks and a 'forest' of limestone needles, the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo River, rolling hills and high peaks. The undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps are the habitat for rare and endangered lemurs and birds.

29. Valley of the Kings, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is so called because for a period of about 500 years between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, it was the place where tombs for kings and other nobles were constructed. The Valley of the Kings is found near Luxor, on the west bank of river Nile and is known to contain 63 such tombs. Most of the tombs contained priceless Egyptian antiquities, some of which have unfortunately been stolen over a period of time. The valley became famous after the discovery in 1922 of the intact tomb of Tutankhamun and is today one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

30. Victoria Falls on the Zambia - Zimbabwe Border
The grandiose Victoria Falls is a waterfall found on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The waterfalls have the reputation of being the “largest curtain of falling water on earth”. The locals call them “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, literally meaning “smoke that thunders” because of the columns of spray that can be seen from miles away. The Victoria Falls are a must-see site in Africa because of their unusual form, and the diverse wildlife in their vicinity. On the Zambian side, it is possible to swim in relatively safe natural pools at the top of the falls.

31. Virunga Mountains in the DRC/Rwanda/Uganda borders
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanic mountains found along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Apart from their spectacular beauty, the forests of the Virunga Mountains are the only remaining homes of the endangered mountain gorillas. Other interesting animals found there include Chimpanzees, the Okapi, and forest elephants. There are eight major peaks in the Virunga mountain range, the highest of which is Mt. Karisimbii. Mt. Nyirangongo and Mt. Nyiragira are still active volcanoes, having last erupted in 2006.

32. Maasai Mara, Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania
Many people who have witnessed the the wildebeest migration regard it as the most spectacular natural event of the modern world. The wildebeest migration takes place within the open plains of Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. It is undoubtedly the greatest wildlife show on earth. During the event, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change, followed closely by a number of predators waiting for the opportunity of striking at weak prey. The wildebeest migration is a spontaneous and somewhat unpredictable event, varying year after year. The best time to catch the wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara is between July and September, especially when the wildebeest and zebra congregate to cross the Mara river.

32. Zanzibar, Tanzania
It is one of the ancient islands used in the trade route. Less commercialized beaches on the north and east coast of the island. Marine cruises can be taken for those dolphin and whale watchers. Read More